Maternity Exam 3 Complications of Birth Vocab

Amnioinfusion

Infusion of fluid into the amniotic cavity used for persistent variable decelerations during labor.

amniotic sac

Bag like membrane that contains the amniotic fluid, fetus, placenta, and all intrauterine products of conception.

Amniotomy

Artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes.

Aneuploidies

An imbalanced chromosomal complement caused by one or more extra or missing chromosomes.

bicornuate uterus

Condition caused by a partial fusion of the Mullerian ducts that causes the uterus to appear heart shaped rather than the expected pear shape.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Tightening and relaxation of the uterus that does not dilate or efface the cervix; often referred to as “practice contractions.”

cephalic presentation

The fetal head is the part that presents down toward the birth canal.

Cephalohematoma

Collection of blood that accumulates under the scalp caused by shearing forces to the scalp and skull.

Cerclage

A medical procedure in which a stitch is placed around the cervix to prevent effacement and dilation.

cervical insufficiency

Dilation of the cervix without labor resulting in loss of the pregnancy.

Chorioamnionitis

An infection within the amniotic sac.

disenfranchised grief

Grief that cannot or is not openly supported, acknowledged, or publicly mourned.​​​​​​​

dysfunctional labor

Prolonged duration of labor that usually occurs during the first stage of labor caused by uterine contraction quality, cervical dilation, and descent of the fetus.

Ehlers Danlos syndrome:

Genetic syndrome that is associated with lax joints and weak connective tissue

Endometritis

An infection in the lining of the uterus.

expectant management

Pregnancy management incorporating client manifestations, fetal surveillance, and standards of care to continue pregnancy

external cephalic version (ECV)

The manual process of repositioning a breech fetus into a cephalic position

fetal malpresentation

Fetal part other than vertex presentation of the fetus’s head is engaged in the pelvis.

Friedman curve

Standard criteria first defined in the 1950s to differentiate expected versus dysfunctional labor patterns.

Hypoplasia

Underdevelopment of tissues or organs.

Iatrogenic

Caused by medical intervention or as a result of treatment.

intrauterine resuscitation

Interventions that aim to increase oxygenated blood flow to the fetus in times of distress.

labor augmentation

Stimulating the uterus to contract to increase the frequency, duration, and strength of contractions after the start of labor.

labor dystocia

Prolonged labor with minimal cervical change.

labor induction

Artificial means of prompting uterine contractions prior to start of labor.

Leopold maneuvers

Palpation method to determine fetal position, presentation, and engagement.

Leukocytosis

Elevated white blood cell count.

McRobert’s position

Hyperflexion of client’s thighs toward the abdomen to increase pelvic circumference

Meconium

The greenish black, sticky, odorless first bowel movement of the newborn composed of salts, amniotic fluid, mucus, bile, and epithelial cells.

nonreassuring fetal heart pattern

Indicative of fetal hypoxia characterized as persistent prolonged fetal tachycardia or bradycardia; prolonged or repetitive fetal heart decelerations; or minimal, marked, or absent variability.

Oligohydramnios

Less than typical amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in pregnancy.

operative vaginal birth

Use of forceps or vacuum to assist in vaginal birth of the fetus.

Periviable

Fetal viability with marginal chance of survival that increases with each day of gestation; typically, in the range of 20 to 25 weeks and 6/7 days of gestation.

Polyhydramnios

Excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in pregnancy.

prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM)

Break or tear in the amniotic sac prior to labor at any gestation.

preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM)

The rupture of the amniotic membranes before term or 37 weeks of gestation.

septate uterus

A uterus that is shaped as expected but has a septum or wall that creates two separate cavities.

serial induction

Induction of labor that begins with cervical ripening by either mechanical means or medication and progresses to administration of IV oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions.

terminal meconium

Passage of meconium that occurs near the time of birth of the fetal body through the vaginal canal or cesarean incision.

uterine leiomyoma

Benign tumors that originate from the uterine smooth muscle; also known as fibroids.

Version

Intrauterine position changes from breech or transverse lie to cephalic; may be spontaneous or due to external interventions.

vertex cephalic

Presentation in which the fetal head is tucked chin to chest. Ideal presentation for a cephalic vaginal birth.

Viable

A fetus that has a chance of survival outside the uterus if born.